Grilling bacon is a game-changer for bacon lovers. It adds a smoky flavor, crisps the strips perfectly, and keeps your kitchen free from greasy messes. If you’ve never tried cooking bacon on the grill, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide on how to cook bacon on a grill that will make you the star of your next barbecue or breakfast.
Why Grill Bacon?
Grilling bacon gives it a unique smoky taste that frying on the stove just can’t match. Plus, cooking bacon outside means less splatter and less cleanup inside your kitchen. The aroma of bacon sizzling on the grill is enough to bring everyone running to the backyard. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, the process is straightforward and rewarding.
What You’ll Need
– Thick-cut bacon or bacon slabs (thick-cut or steak bacon works best)
– Grill (gas or charcoal)
– Long-handled tongs
– Cast-iron skillet (optional but recommended)
– Cooking oil (canola or grapeseed oil)
– Paper towels for draining
Preparing Your Grill for Bacon
Start by cleaning your grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. Then, brush the grates lightly with oil or bacon fat to help the bacon cook evenly and prevent it from sticking.
If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it to about 325°F. For charcoal grills, wait until the coals are glowing and have a light layer of ash. You want moderate heat to avoid flare-ups caused by bacon fat dripping into the flames.
Method 1: Grilling Bacon Directly on the Grate
- Lay the bacon strips perpendicular to the grill grates so they don’t fall through as they shrink.
- Cook the bacon over indirect heat first to render the fat slowly, avoiding flare-ups. Keep the grill temperature between 250°F and 375°F.
- Watch closely and turn the bacon frequently with tongs to cook evenly.
- After about 10-20 minutes, once the bacon is cooked through but not yet crispy, you can move it briefly over direct heat to crisp it up. Be careful here to avoid burning or flare-ups.
- Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat.
Method 2: Using a Cast-Iron Skillet on the Grill
For a mess-free and controlled cooking experience, use a cast-iron skillet on the grill:
- Preheat your grill to 400°F and place the cast-iron skillet on the grates to heat up.
- Lay the bacon strips flat in the skillet without overlapping.
- Close the grill lid and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Flip the bacon with tongs and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels before serving.
This method reduces flare-ups and keeps the bacon flat and evenly cooked.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Bacon
– Use thick-cut or slab bacon for grilling; thin slices can fall apart or burn easily.
– Keep the grill temperature moderate to avoid flare-ups from dripping fat.
– Turn bacon frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
– If flare-ups occur, move the bacon to a cooler part of the grill or use indirect heat.
– For extra flavor, brush the bacon with a glaze like BBQ sauce or a honey-hot sauce mix just before finishing.
– Thread thick-cut bacon onto skewers for easy flipping and a fun presentation.
Safety and Cleanup
Always use long-handled tongs to handle bacon on the grill to avoid burns. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to control flare-ups. After cooking, clean the grill grates while still warm to remove grease and prevent sticking next time.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled bacon is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, or as a smoky addition to salads and appetizers. Its crispy texture and smoky flavor will elevate any dish.
Enjoy the unbeatable taste of bacon cooked outdoors on your grill. Once you try it, you might never want to go back to frying bacon indoors again!
Bacon on the grill is crispy, smoky, and utterly delicious – a simple way to upgrade your bacon game with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Happy grilling!